A Scripture Catechism, in the Method of the Assemblies Q. 60-69

Q. 60. How is the sabbath to be sanctified?

A. The sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful in other days; and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God's worship, except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy.

1. Must we rest on the sabbath day?
   Yes: Six days may work be done, but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, Exod 31:15.

   Must we rest from worldly employments?
   Yes: Ye shall hallow the sabbath day, to do no work therein, Jer. 17:24.

   And from recreations?
   Yes: Not finding thine own pleasure, Isa. 58:13.

   Is this to signify our being dead to this world?
   Yes: For he that is entered into his rest has ceased from his own works, Heb. 4:10.

   And to awaken us to think of' leaving it?
   Yes: For here we have no continuing city, Heb. 13:14.

   Must this rest be dedicated to God?
   Yes: It is a holy day, a sabbath of rest to the Lord, Exod. 35:2.

2. Must we spend time on that day in the public exercises of God's worship?
   Yes: For it is a holy convocation, Lev. 23:3.

   Must we do so every sabbath, as we have opportunity?
   Yes: From one sabbath to another shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord, Isa. 66:23.

   And must we not absent ourselves from public worship?
   No: Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, Heb. 10:25.

   Must we spend time on that day in the private exercises of religion?
   Yes: It is the sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings, Lev. 23:3.

   Did the disciples of Christ thus spend the first Lord's day?
   Yes: For on the first day of the week the disciples were assembled, John 20:19.

3. Must we prepare for the sabbath day beforehand?
   Yes: It was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on, Luke 23:54.

   Must the sabbath be a day of holy joy?
   Yes: We will rejoice and be glad in it, Ps. 118:24.

   Must it be a day of praise?
   Yes: The psalm for the sabbath day begins, It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord, Ps. 92:1.

   Must we be spiritual in the duties of the day?
   Yes: I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, Rev. 1:10.

   And must we take pleasure in them?
   Yes: Call the Sabbath a delight, Isa. 58:13.

4. Are works of mercy and charity proper for a sabbath day?
   Yes: Ought not this woman to be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day, Luke 13:16.

   And may works of necessity be done on that day?
   Yes: Do not you on the sabbath lead your ox, or your ass, to watering, Luke 13:15.

Q. 61. What is forbidden in the fourth commandment?

A. The fourth commandment forbids the omission, or careless performance, of the duties required, profaning the day by idleness: or doing that which is in itself sinful, or by unnecessary thoughts, words, or works, about worldly employments or recreations.

1. Do we profane the sabbath if we neglect the sabbath work?
   Yes: I came seeking fruit, but found none, Luke 13:7.

   Or if we perform carelessly?
   Yes: Ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick, Mal. 1:13.

   Or if we be weary of it?
   Yes: They say, When will the sabbath be gone? Amos 8:5.

   Or if we idle away sabbath time?
   Yes: Why stead ye here all the day idle? Matt. 20:6.

   And much more if we do that which is in itself sinful?
   Yes: They have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths, Ezek. 23:38.

2. Do we profane the sabbath by violating the sabbath rest?
   Yes: What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day? Neh. 13:17.

   May we not buy and sell on that day?
   No: Make not my Father's house a house of merchandise, John 2:16.

   May we not work harvest-work on that day?
   No: In earing-time, and in harvest, thou shall rest, Exod. 34:21.

   May we not however think and speak at our pleasure on that day?
   No: Not doing thine own ways, nor speaking thine own words, Isa. 58:13.

3. Was he punished that gathered sticks on the sabbath?
   Yes: They stoned him with stones that he died, Numb. 15:36.

   Are nations sometimes punished for sabbath profanation?
   Yes: If ye will not hallow the sabbath day, I will kindle a fire in the gates of Jerusalem Jer. 17:27.

   Is the contempt of the sabbath a contempt of God?
   Yes: This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day, John 9:16.

Q. 62. What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment?

A. The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment are, God's allowing us six days of the week for our own employments, his claiming a special property in the seventh, his own example, and his blessing the sabbath day.

1. Has God allowed us six days of the week?
   Yes: Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work.

   Has he reserved but one day in seven for himself?
   Yes: For he hath not made us to serve with an offering, nor wearied us with incense, Isa. 43:23.

   Does he claim a special property in the seventh day?
   Yes: It is the sabbath of the Lord thy God.

   Has our Lord Jesus a property in it?
   Yes: For the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath, Mark 2:28.

   Ought we not therefore to devote it to his service?
   Yes: For will a man rob God? Mal. 3:8.

2. Did God the Creator set us an example of sabbath rest?
   Yes: For the seventh day he rested and was refreshed, Exod. 31:17.

   Did God the Redeemer set us an example of sabbath work?
   Yes: For as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, Luke 4:16.

   And has he given us encouragement in the work of the Christian sabbath
   Yes: For when they were assembled on the first day of the week, Jesus stood in the midst, John 20:19.

3. Has God blessed the sabbath day, and so put an honour upon it?
   Yes: The Lord blessed the sabbath day and hallowed it.

   Is it not an ill thing then for us to put a slight upon it?
   Yes: As they do that despise the holy things, and profane the sabbath, Ezek. 22:8.

   Has God appointed it to be a day of blessings to us?
   Yes: There will I come to thee, and will bless thee, Exod. 20:24.

   Are not they enemies to themselves then that neglect it?
   Yes: They forsake their own mercies, Jonah 2:8.

Q. 63. What is the fifth commandment?

A. The fifth commandment is, Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

1. Do the six last commandments concern our duty to our neighbour?
   Yes: For this is his commandment, That we love one another, 1 John 3:23.

   And must we mind that as well as our duty to God?
   Yes: Providing for honest things, not only. in the sight of the Lord, but in the sight of men, 2 Cor. 8:21.

   And are we concerned to be very careful in second-table duties?
   Yes: That the name of God, and his doctrine, be not blasphemed, 1 Tim. 6:1.

   Will our devotions be acceptable without this?
   No: When ye make many prayers I will not hear, for your hands are full of blood, Isa 1:15.

2. Is religion toward God a branch of universal righteousness?
   Yes: Render to God the things that are God's, Matt. 22:21.

   And his righteousness toward men a branch of true religion?
   Yes: For pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, Jam. 1:27.

   Does the law of God require both?
   Yes: To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God, Mic. 6:8.

   And does the grace of the gospel teach both?
   Yes: To live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, Tit. 2:12.

   Must every godly man then be an honest man?
   Yes: For we must live in all godliness and honesty, 1 Tim. 2:2.

   And must he be a charitable man?
   Yes: He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous, Ps. 112:4.

   And will the trial be by this at the great day?
   Yes: For I was hungry, and ye gave me meat, Matt. 25:35.

3. Does the fifth commandment concern our duty to our relations?
   Yes: For all ye are brethren, Matt. 23:8.

   And must we be careful to do this duty?
   Yes: That they who will not be won by the word, may be won by the conversation, 1 Pet. 3:1.

Q. 64. What is required in the fifth commandment?

A. The fifth commandment requires the preserving the honour, and performing the duty, which belongs to every one in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals.

1. Is it the duty of children to reverence their parents?
   Yes: Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, Lev. 19:3.

   And must they give honour to them?
   Yes: If I be a father, where is my honour? Mal. 1:6.

   And may they upon no account despise them?
   No: Despise not thy mother when she is old, Prov. 23:22.

   Ought they to carry themselves respectfully towards them?
   Yes: King Solomon rose up to meet his mother, and bowed himself to her, 1 Kings 2:19.

   And to speak honourably of them?
   Yes: Her children rose up, and called her blessed, Prov. 31:28.

2. Is it the duty of children to obey their parents?
   Yes: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, Eph. 6:1.

   And to receive their instructions?
   Yes: Hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother, Prov. 1:8.

   And to submit to their correction?
   Yes: The fathers of our flesh corrected us, and we gave them reverence, Heb. 12:9.

   Should children labour to rejoice the hearts of their parents?
   Yes: My son, if thy heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, Prov. 23:15.

   And to requite them?
   Yes: Let them show piety at home, and requite their parents, 1 Tim. 5:4.

   And to have their consent in disposing of themselves?
   Yes: Jacob obeyed his father, and his mother, and went to Padan-aram, for a wife, Gen 28:7.

   Is Christ an example of this subjection?
   Yes: For he went with his parents to Nazareth, and was subject to them, Luke 2:51.

3. Is it the duty of children to be respectful to the aged?
   Yes: Thou shall rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, Lev. 19:32.

   And must they be observant of their teachers?
   Yes: For they will mourn at the last, who obey not the voice of their teachers, and incline not their ear to them that instruct them, Prov. 5:11,13.

   And must they order themselves lowly and reverently to all their betters?
   Yes: Ye younger, submit yourselves to the elder, 1 Pet. 5:5.

4. Is it the duty of parents to be tender of their children?
   Yes; For can a woman forget her sucking child? Isa. 49:15.

   And mild toward them?
   Yes; For a father pities his children, Ps. 103:13.

   And to bear with them?
   Yes: As a man spares his son that serves him, Mal. 3:17.

   And yet must they correct them when it is necessary?
   Yes; For he that spares his rod hates his son; but he that loves him, chastens him betimes, Prov. 13:24.

5. Is it the duty of parents to pray for their children?
   Yes: Job offered for his sons burnt-offerings, according to the number of them all, Job 1:5.

   And to bless God for them?
   Yes: They are the children which God hath graciously given thy servant, Gen. 33:5.

   Are they to bless them in the name of the lord?
   Yes: By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, Heb. 11:20.

   And are they to provide for them what is convenient?
   Yes: If any provide not for his own, especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel, 1 Tim. 5:8.

6. Is it the duty of parents to bring up their children in the fear of God?
   Yes: Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, Eph. 6:4.

   And to teach them the things of God?
   Yes: Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, Deut. 6:7.

   And to oblige them to their duty?
   Yes: I know Abraham, that he will command his children to keep the way of the Lord, Gen. 18:19.

   And ought they to set them a good example?
   Yes: I will walk within my house with a perfect heart, Ps. 101:2.

   And must they patiently part with their children when God calls for them?
   Yes: Thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, Gen. 22:16.

7. Is it the duty of servants to honour their masters and mistresses?
   Yes: Let as many servants as are under the yoke, count their own masters worthy of all honour, 1 Tim. 6:1.

   Is it their duty to obey them?
   Yes: Servants be obedient to them that are your masters, Eph. 6:5.

   And to be just and true to them?
   Yes: Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity, Titus 2:10.

   Ought they to be diligent in the duty of their place though they suffer unjustly?
   Yes: Servants be subject not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward, 1 Pet. 2:18.

   And must they have an eye to God in all?
   Yes: As to the Lord, and not to men, Col. 3:23.

8. Is it the duty of masters to be just to their servants?
   Yes: Masters give to your servants that which is just and equal, Col. 4:1.

   And to be gentle towards them?
   Yes: Forbearing threatening, Eph. 6:9.

   Should all masters of families worship God with their families?
   Yes: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord, Josh. 24:15.

   And should they restrain sin in their families?
   Yes: Thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacle, Job 22:28.

9. Is it the duty of wives to be respectful to their husbands?
   Yes: Let the wife see that she reverence her husband, Eph. 5:33.

   And to love them?
   Yes: They must love their husbands, and love their children, Tit. 2:4.

   Must they be submissive to their husbands?
   Yes: Wives submit yourselves to your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord, Col. 3:18.

   Must they be faithful and obedient to them?
   Yes: They must be chaste keepers at home, obedient to their own husbands, Tit. 2:5.

   Must they receive instruction from them?
   Yes: If they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home, 1 Cor. 14:35.

   Must they be helpers to them in religion?
   Yes: That they may be won by the conversation of the wives, 1 Pet. 3:1.

10. Is it the duty of husbands to love their wives?
    Yes: Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them Col. 3:19.

    Must they love them dearly?
    Yes: Let every one love his wife even as himself, Eph. 5:33.

    And delight in them?
    Yes: Rejoice with the wife of thy youth, Prov. 5:18, 19.

    And be tender of them?
    Yes: Giving honour to the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, 1 Pet. 3:7.

11. Is it the duty of husbands and wives to be pleasing one to another?
    Yes: He that is married careth how to please his wife, and she that is married how to please her husband, 1 Cor. 7:33,34.

    Is it their duty to live in the fear of God, and to pray together?
    Yes: As heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered, 1 Pet. 3:7.

    Should they promote the eternal salvation one of another?
    Yes: What knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? Or how knowest thou O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? 1 Cor. 7:16.

12. Is it the duty of subjects to reverence their magistrates?
    Yes: Fear God, honour the king, 1 Pet. 2:17.

    And to obey them in the Lord?
    Yes: We must be subject to principalities and powers, and obey magistrates, Tit. 3:1.

    And to be loyal to them?
    Yes: For the powers that be are ordained of God, Rom. 13:1.

    Is it our duty to pray for magistrates?
    Yes: For kings, and for all that are in authority, 1 Tim. 2:2.

    And to pay them tribute?
    Yes: Tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, Rom. 13:7.

    Must we be peaceable under their government?
    Yes: That we under them may lead a quiet and peaceable life, 1 Tim. 2:2.

    And all this conscientiously?
    Yes: Ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake, Rom. 13:5.

    Ought magistrates to be as parents to their subjects?
    Yes: Kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and queens thy nursing mothers, Isa. 49:23.

13. Is it the duty of people to love and respect their ministers?
    Yes: Know them which labour among you, and esteem them very highly in love, for their work's sake, 1 Thess. 5:12,13.

    Ought they to submit to their instructions?
    Yes: Obey your guides, and submit yourselves, for they watch for your souls, Heb. 13:7.

    And to provide for their comfortable subsistence?
    Yes: Let him that is taught in the word communicate to him that teacheth, Gal. 6:6.

    And ought ministers to be as spiritual fathers to their people?
    Yes: We exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, 1 Thess. 2:11.

14. Is it the duty of equals to be kind one to another?
    Yes: Be kindly affectioned one to another, with brotherly love, Rom. 12:10.

    And to be respectful one to another?
    Yes: In honour preferring one another, Rom. 12:10.

    And to be submissive one to another?
    Yes: Yea, all of ye, be subject one to another, 1 Pet. 5:5.

Q. 65. What is forbidden in the fifth commandment?

A. The fifth commandment forbids the neglecting of, or doing any thing against, the honour and duty which belongs to every one in their several places and relations.

1. Is it a sin for children to despise their parents?
   Yes: Cursed be he that sets light by his father or mother, Deut. 27:16.

   Or to disobey them?
   Yes: The eye that mocks at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it, Prov. 30:17.

   Is it a sin for children prodigally to spend their parents' substance?
   Yes: He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, Prov. 29:16.

   Or to grieve their parents?
   Yes: A foolish son is the heaviness of his mother, Prov. 10:1.

2. Is it a sin for inferiors to be rude and undutiful to their superiors?
   Yes: For a child to behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable, Isa. 3:5.

   Is it a sin for superiors to be harsh and unkind to their inferiors?
   Yes: Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, lest they be discouraged, Col. 3:21.

3. Is it a sin to be vexatious to our relations?
   Yes: Her adversary provoked her to make her to fret, 1 Sam. 1:6.

   And to be quarrelsome with our relations?
   Yes: Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen, for we be brethren, Gen. 13:8.

   And to be suspicious of our relations?
   Yes: For charity thinketh no evil, 1 Cor. 13:4, 5.

Q. 66. What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment?

A. The reason annexed to the filth commandment is a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God's glory and their own good) to all such as keep this commandment.

1. Is there a gracious promise made to those that honour their parents?
   Yes: It is the first commandment with promise, Eph. 6:2.

   Is long life promised?
   Yes: That thy days may be long in the land.

   Is outward prosperity promised?
   Yes: That it may be well with thee, Eph. 6:3.

   Are temporal blessings promised to good people?
   Yes: Godliness hath the promise of the life that now is, 1 Tim. 4:8.

   And are they promised particularly to pious and dutiful children?
   Yes: My son, forget not my law, but let thine heart keep my commandments; for length of days, and long life, and peace shall they add to thee, Prov. 3:1, 2.

2. Do all good children prosper in this world?
   No: For all things come alike to all, Eccl. 9:2.

   But are they most likely to prosper?
   Yes: For by humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honour and life, Prov. 22:4.

   Shall they prosper as far as is for God's glory?
   Yes: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me, Ps. 50:15.

   And as far as is for their own good?
   Yes: For we read of those whom God sent into captivity for their good, Jer. 24:5.

   But shall good children live for ever in, the heavenly Canaan?
   Yes: There their inheritance shall be for ever, Ps. 37:18.

   And are disobedient children often punished in this life?
   Yes: As Absalom that was hanged in an oak, 2 Sam. 18:9.

Q. 67. What is the sixth commandment?

A. The sixth commandment is, Thou shall not kill.

1. Does the sixth commandment concern our own and our neighbour's life?
   Yes: For the life is more than meat, Matt. 6:25.

   Has God a tender regard to the life of men?
   Yes: For he giveth to all life and breath, Acts 17:25.

   Has he by this law made a hedge about life?
   Yes: That men might not be like the fishes of the sea, Habak. 1:14.

2. Did there need be this law?
   Yes: For men live in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another, Tit. 3:3.

   Is it a part of the law of nature?
   Yes: For the barbarous people said of a murderer, that vengeance suffers him not to live, Acts 28:4.

Q. 68. What is required in the sixth commandment?

A. The sixth commandment requires all lawful endeavours to preserve our own life, and the life of others.

1. Are we to take care of our own lives?
   Yes: No man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, Eph. 5:29.

   Must we endeavour the preservation of them?
   Yes: Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life, Job 2:4.

   Are we to be careful of our diet?
   Yes: Hast thou found honey, eat so much as is sufficient for thee, Prov. 25:16.

   Are we to use physic when we need it?
   Yes: Take a lump of figs and lay it upon the boil, Isa. 38:21.

   And are we to be cheerful?
   Yes: For a merry heart doeth good like a medicine, Prov. 17:22.

2. But may we deny Christ to save our lives?
   No: He that so saveth his life shall lose it, Matt. 16:25.

   May we commit any wilful sin to save our lives?
   No: We must do no evil that good may come, Rom. 3:8.

   But what we do for the preservation of our own lives, must it be with an eye to God's glory?
   Yes: That I may live, and keep thy word, Ps. 119:17. Live and praise thee, Ps. 119:175.

3. Are we to be compassionate even to the brute creatures?
   Yes: A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast, Prov. 12:10.

   Are we to be careful of the lives of others as well as of our own?
   Yes: It was Cain that said, Am I my brother's keeper? Gen. 4:9.

   Are we to do what we can in our places for the relief of those who are exposed to violence?
   Yes: We must deliver them that are ready to be slain, Prov. 24:11,12.

   Must we succour the distressed, like the good Samaritan?
   Yes: Go thou and do likewise, Luke 10:87.

4. Are we to support the lives of those who are in straits?
   Yes: The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me, Job 29:13.

   Are we to be meek towards those that provoke us?
   Yes: Showing all meekness toward all men, Titus 3:2.

   And are we to be merciful toward those who need us?
   Yes: Put on, as the elect of God, bowels of mercy, Col. 3:12.

Q. 69. What is forbidden in the sixth commandment?

A. The sixth commandment forbids the taking away of our own life, or the life of our neighbour unjustly, and whatsoever tends thereunto.

1. May we dispose of our own lives at our pleasure?
   No: For surely your blood of your lives will I require, Gen. 9:5.

   Is it a sin in any case to kill ourselves?
   Yes: Do thyself no harm, Acts 16:28.

   Is it an exceeding sinful sin?
   Yes: It was the sin of Saul and Judas, Sam. 31:4. Matt. 27:5.

   Is it a sin needlessly to expose our own lives?
   Yes: Thou shall not tempt the Lord thy God, Matt. 4:7.

   But must we not expose our lives to keep a good conscience?
   Yes: Neither count I my life dear unto me, so that I might finish my course with joy, Acts 20:24.

2. Is drunkenness a sin against our own lives?
   Yes: Take heed lest your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and so that day come upon you unawares, Luke 21:34.

   Is uncleanness so?
   Yes: He that commits fornication sins against his own body, 1 Cor. 6:18.

   Is immoderate care and grief a sin against our own lives?
   Yes: For the sorrow of the world worketh death, 2 Cor. 7:10.

3. Is it lawful for the magistrate to take away the life of a malefactor?
   Yes: For he bears not the sword in vain, Rom. 13:4.

   May soldiers kill in a lawful war?
   Yes: Cursed is he that keepeth back his sword from blood, Jer. 48:10.

   But is wilful murder a great sin?
   Yes: The voice of thy brother's blood cries Gen. 4:10.

   Is it an iniquity to be punished by the judge?
   Yes: Whoso sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed, Gen. 9:6.

   And ought the murderer to be put to death?
   Yes: A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him, Prov. 28:17.

4. Is murder a great affront to God?
   Yes: For in the image of God made he man, Gen. 9:6.

   Does it make men like the devil?
   Yes: For he was a murderer from the beginning, John 8:44.

   Is it of dangerous consequence to the murderer?
   Yes: For no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him, 1 John 3:15.

   Ought we therefore to pray that God would keep us from it?
   Yes: Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God of my salvation, Ps. 51:14.

5. Is malice heart-murder?
   Yes: Lie that hateth his brother is a murderer, 1 John 3:15.

   Is rash anger a breach of this commandment?
   Yes: But I say unto you, Whosoever is angry with his brother without cause, shall be in danger of the judgment, Matt. 5:22.

   Is giving foul language a breach of this commandment?
   Yes: Whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, or Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire, Matt. 5:22.

   Is revenge a breach of this commandment?
   Yes: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, Rom. 12:19.